| The
Movie
Disney's
latest feature film, Lilo & Stitch, is different, indeed. The story begins
on Planet Turo, where scientist, Jumba, stands accused of
illegal genetic experimentation. Despite his profuse claims
of innocence, there's nothing left to deny once evidence of his
crime, "Experiment 626" (later known as the blue
alien, Stitch), is placed before both Jumba and the Federation.
Stitch is clearly naughty, programmed for destruction -- an
"abomination". Before you know it, he manages to
escape exile in a police cruiser that lands on the planet
Earth--the Hawaii islands, to be exact. |
Lilo Stitch
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Pleakley, a
one-eyed, bumbling alien "expert", is convinced that Earth should
be saved because the "simple creatures" (humans) are
part of the mosquito food chain--and mosquitoes, he insists, are
endangered species. So, Jumba and Pleakley are sent to Earth on a
mission to capture
Stitch.
Meanwhile, we
are introduced to a little Hawaiian girl named Lilo, whose feisty and unusual behavior makes her somewhat of an outcast. She
practices voodoo, has a predilection for Elvis, and proudly
displays her photos of tourists on her bedroom wall. Since being
orphaned, her older sister, Nani, has acted as her guardian. Their
struggle to make it in their new family roles is intensified by
the attention of the imposing Cobra Bubbles, a social worker who
has given Nani three days to "change his mind" about the
situation. When fate has it that Lilo finds Stitch in a dog kennel
and insists on adopting the strange blue "dog", things
go from worse to ugly. Besides making Nani lose her job at the
luau, Stitch is being pursued by aliens. As time goes by, Lilo's
influence on the destructive creature becomes more and more
apparent. Even Jumba, his creator, is surprised at Stitch's
developing heart.
In the end,
Stitch delivers (and repeats) the bottom line of the movie: he
says of his newfound family, "It's little and broken, but
still good".
As we have
come to expect from Disney animated films, a lot of the humor in Lilo
& Stitch is aimed at parents. Still, there are plenty of
scenes that will tickle kids. In addition, the whole concept of a
misbehaving "pet" goes over swimmingly.
Those who find
Disney movies emotionally manipulative and too intense for little
kids will be disappointed with this latest film--it's an emotional
roller coaster, for sure. (The PG rating provides a clue). For others,
the cartoon violence (sci-fi action with laser guns is plentiful)
will be too much. However, the film has its own unique charm. Most
notable is its treatment of what society labels
"dysfunctional" families--Lilo and Nani fight with
intensity and rage before they make up, and there is plenty of
irresponsible behavior (the stove is left on, sarcastic insults
are exchanged, Lilo bites a teasing friend, and so forth)--but the
sisters' love for each other is undeniable.
 Lilo &
Stitch on DVD and VHS: Lilo &
Stitch was released on home video and DVD on December 3/2002. The DVD
edition includes a number of bonuses: deleted scenes (those
scenes that didn't make it to the final cut), the hilarious
trailers we saw plus some all-new ones, an interview with country
star Wynona, a music video of "I Can't Help Falling in Love
With You" performed by the A*Teens, games, and more
featurettes. See our review.
[For more information, or to
buy: Lilo & Stitch
(VHS) or Lilo & Stitch
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
Computer Software
Starring Lilo & Stitch
Disney
Interactive has released two new titles based on the feature film.
Both are notable. Disney's Lilo & Stitch Hawaiian Adventure is
a bit confusing at times (audio instructions and help with icons
could have been better), but once understood, it's quite fun.
Children work through the adventure one activity at a time. Each
places kids in similar situations taken directly from the movie
(like an activity in which kids need to keep dogs at bay in the
kennel, and another in which players must "work" at the
luau). Some activities are bland, but many are amusing and
entertaining. Avoid this one for children under the age of
approximately 6 or 7. Our rating: B. Check out screenshots from
the game in our screenshot
gallery. [For more information, or to buy: Disney's
Lilo & Stitch Hawaiian Adventure at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
Disney's
Lilo & Stitch: Trouble in Paradise! is best for children
ages 9 and up. It's an action game in which kids play as either
Lilo or Stitch (roles alternate), leading them through terrains
and trails at mega speeds. The game is challenging but compelling.
Fans of the movie who are good at video games will enjoy this
program. Make sure your system can handle this game (the minimum
system requirements are comparatively high). [Buy Disney's Lilo & Stitch: Trouble In...
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
UPDATE April
2004: Both of the above Lilo & Stitch computer games are now
available in a bundle: Disney's Lilo & Stitch Collection,
along with a free book.
 A new print
studio entitled Disney Print Creations: Movie Collection is
now available. Images from Disney movies, including Lilo &
Stitch, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Lion King, The
Little Mermaid, Disney Babies, and more, are featured. This
program is powered by Print Artist. Kids, and the young at heart, can make greeting cards,
calendars, stickers, invitations, posters, and more with this
program. There are
over 7000 graphics to grab and insert into projects. Photo editing
is integrated into the software. [Buy
Disney Print Creations: Movie Collection
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
Lilo & Stitch: Soundtrack from the Movie
 Elvis
classics like Hound Dog and Stuck on You, redone
Elvis classics (Burning Love performed by Wynonna and Can't
Help Falling in Love by A Teens), plus a handful of Hawaiian
originals add up to a fun mix on the Lilo & Stitch
soundtrack. Some of the tracks are a little depressing, such as
the eerie I'm
Lost. All in all, however, this CD makes a long-lasting
souvenir of the movie that both parents and kids will enjoy. [For more information, or to buy: Lilo & Stitch
Amazon.com]
Lilo &
Stitch Sticker Book
 Kids love
stickers--and Lilo & Stitch--so a book bursting with colorful
stickers of characters and scenes from the movie is bound to be a
winner. More than 60 stickers of Lilo, Nani, Stitch, Pleakley, and
even the council's leader, are featured in DK's Lilo &
Stitch Sticker Book. They are "restickable", so
children can use them to fill the book's pages (each sticker has
its place on a page, alongside its appropriate caption) or to
decorate their own books. [For more information, or to buy: Lilo & Stitch Sticker Book (Ultimate...
Amazon.com]
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